Muamba
For Students: A student should never allow his/her pride to get in the way of seeking help on campus when help is needed.
For Parents: College can be a depressing place, always bear this in mind when dealing with your college-bound child. People often fail to realize just how stressful a college campus can be.
Eletha
The first thing parents and students need to do before applications and campus visits is to relax. There is too much stress involved in the college admissions process that doesn't help students make the best decisions for themselves. Students should consider that they'll be doing a lot of growing up during their four years at this university and all aspects of their lives will be affected: skills, health, love, friendships, dreams, etc. The university they choose must hit as many aspects of the human experience as possible, not just technical skills or not just sports. One of the most important programs a university can have in my opinion is good study or work abroad programs. Living abroad has really changed my life in ways my university couldn't but enabled me to have that essential growing experience. The number two thing all parents need to do is to support their children from day one to graduation and beyond as more college students are heading back home after getting a BS these days. Emotional support is key to students' success and will make a student's college experience fulfilled in ways that all the excitement and challenge may not.
Lauren
There is definitely a "right" fit for everyone when it comes to what college one chooses. Although it is certainly beneficial to listen to the advice and opinions of one's friends and family when deciding on a college, one should remember that it is his decision to make-- trust your gut instinct! Once at college, the best way to make the most of the college experience is to experience as many things as possible-- even activities that are totally unfamiliar. Not only might one discover a new passion, but the different types of people one will meet along the way is one of the best experiences one can have. Also, it's important to have fun! Especially at the top colleges, it's easy to get caught up in work and grade point averages; however, when it comes down to it, employers are more interested in someone that is well-rounded and interesting than someone with a perfect GPA (at the same time, however, don't totally slack off!). Finding the perfect balance between learning as much as one can in school, building friendships, and making memories is the key to happiness in college.
Adam
Talk with the students there. Try and spend the weekend. When I went, it was the people I met that tipped the scales. The school can be pretty and the classes reputable but many schools fit that desccription. If the people in you environment are making you miserable, there will be a noticable effect on every ohter aspec of your life